Sidney Hook (December 20, 1902 – July 12, 1989) was an American
philosopher of the Pragmatist school known for his contributions to the
philosophy of history, the philosophy of education, political theory,
and ethics. After embracing Communism in his youth, Hook was later known
for his criticisms of totalitarianism, both fascism, and
Marxism–Leninism. A pragmatic social democrat, Hook sometimes cooperated
with conservatives, particularly in opposing Communism. After World War
II, he argued that members of such groups as the Communist Party USA and
other Leninist conspiracies could ethically be barred from holding the
offices of public trust because they called for the violent overthrow of
democratic governments. (Click
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Anyone who remembers his own educational experience remembers teachers,
not methods and techniques.

Before impugning an opponent's motives, even when they legitimately may
be impugned, answer his arguments.

Fear of death has been the greatest ally of tyranny past and present.

I was guilty of judging capitalism by its operations and socialism by
its hopes and aspirations; capitalism by its works and socialism by its
literature.

Idealism, alas, does not protect one from ignorance, dogmatism, and
foolishness.

More important than any belief a man holds is the way he holds it.

Philosophy, most broadly viewed, is the critical survey of existence
from the standpoint of value.

Students rarely disappoint teachers who assure them in advance that they
are doomed to failure.

Those who say that life is worth living at any cost have already written
an epitaph of infamy, for there is no cause and no person that they will
not betray to stay alive.

To silence criticism is to silence freedom.

Tolerance always has limits- it cannot tolerate what is itself actively
intolerant.

Wisdom is a kind of knowledge. It is knowledge of the nature, career,
and consequences of human values.